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★★★★★
The Ifugao Rice Terraces are located in the “Cordilleras”, the rugged mountainous regions of the Northern Philippines.
Five of these breathtaking terraced rice paddies, scattered across swaths of Luzon, the Philippines’ largest island, have been awarded World Heritage Status by UNESCO.
For 2,000 years, the high rice fields of the Ifugao have followed the contours of the mountains. The fruit of knowledge handed down from one generation to the next, and the expression of sacred traditions and a delicate social balance, they have helped to create a landscape of great beauty that expresses the harmony between humankind and the environment.
whc.unesco.org CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0
These five are in Batad, Bangaan, Hungduan, Kiangan, and Mayoyao.
These terraces are an engineering feat, carved from the mountains using the most rudimentary tools about two millennia ago.
The Ifugao Rice Terraces are the priceless contribution of Philippine ancestors to humanity. Built 2000 years ago and passed on from generation to generation, the Ifugao Rice Terraces represent an enduring illustration of an ancient civilization that surpassed various challenges and setbacks posed by modernization.
UNESCO
The gateway to this itinerary is Banaue, which boasts its own rice terraces.
However, it did not make the cut in the Heritage list due to the high concentration of structures constructed close to the crops.
The Rice Terraces of the Philippines in 3 Days
| Day | Destination | Activity | Sleep |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Overnight bus from Manila to Banaue | Take jeep to Batad. Hike Batad and Tappia Falls | Batad |
| 2 | Return to Banaue from Batad | Hapao Rice Terraces and Hot Springs | Banaue |
| 3 | Day trip to Sagada | Hanging Coffins and Sumaging Cave | Overnight bus to Manila |
Regrettably, I only did a whirlwind tour due to my limited vacation time.
But if I were to embark on this exact adventure again, I would have no qualms about staying an extra night or two in both Batad and Sagada, as so many trails are waiting to be explored in those towns.
How do you get to Banaue from Manila?
The fastest way to get to this region of the Philippines is via public bus.
As of this writing, nightly direct buses leave Manila late in the evening and arrive in Banaue at the break of dawn the following day.
This route is currently offered by Ohayami.
Booking online is quick and easy. Advanced booking is also recommended.
It is best to check online for other transportation options to Banaue, as things and schedules change frequently in the Philippines.
The bus we took departed at around 10 PM and reached Banaue at around 7 AM.
It was basic, with recliner seats and incredibly strong air conditioning.
There were about 2-3 scheduled stops for guests who needed to utilize comfort rooms (restrooms) along the way.
Yes, restrooms are called comfort rooms or CR in the Philippines.
Make sure that you know how long the stops are and ensure that you are on the bus on time.
A couple of tourists were almost left behind because they did not return promptly.
DAY 1
Banaue
Upon arriving in Banaue, we were greeted by crowds of representatives from different hostels and a few freelance tour companies.
We negotiated a very reasonable 3-day package that included transport and guides to the destinations illustrated in the table above.
If you prefer to hire a travel agent to arrange your tours around the area, comparing prices across different companies and bargaining a bit is highly recommended.
Since we were only there for 3 days and wanted to see multiple places given our limited time, we only had this option.
Independently exploring the area is certainly possible if you have the luxury of extra time, as public transportation between towns is few and far between.
In fact, there is no other way to immerse yourself entirely in this phenomenal region of the Philippines unless you do it the way locals live—by taking Jeepneys and tricycles around.
If I had an opportunity to visit this area again in the future, I’d definitely backpack between towns unhurriedly so I could take my time and smell the roses.
Jeepney Top Ride
After successfully negotiating a reasonable fee, we were swiftly whisked away to Batad via jeepney, where passengers were allowed to do a “top ride” (seating on top of the jeep) for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that is uniquely Filipino.
I opted for the exhilarating “top ride” with other foreign tourists (two students from Kazakhstan and two guys from France), and our bravery was rewarded with stunningly picturesque landscapes.
Even though the top ride is thrilling and most likely to be an indelible experience, selecting this option involves risks.
Determine your risk tolerance and make sure you hang tight if you choose this adventure.
Aware that tourists are in the region to sightsee, the jeepney we were on intentionally stopped at various viewpoints so we could marvel at some spellbinding landscapes.
Batad Saddle
After about an hour of riding amidst pristinely lush scenery and dizzyingly winding roads, we arrived at the end of the road, which locals call the “Batad Saddle.”
From here, it is a 15-30 minute trek to the center of Batad, depending on one’s fitness level.
The road to the town center may have already been completed by the time you read this, so you can expect a shorter hike.
Batad Viewpoint & Amphitheater
After reaching the center of Batad, our guide directed us to stop at our accommodations first to deposit our bags so we wouldn’t have to carry them during the trek.
Not long after, we proceeded to trek along the trails that wrapped around the spectacular terraces.
Since we had very limited time, our guide made sure that we would be ticking off all the highlights.
The terraces were breathtakingly majestic.
“We were blown away” would have been an understatement to sufficiently describe what we felt and experienced.
Our guide directed us to the different paths around the terraces.
It is easy to get lost in this area because there are multiple trails and forks on the road, and they virtually look the same.
If you have the extra time, I suggest mindlessly meandering along these incredible pathways, pausing periodically to savor the astounding scenery of this magnificent human creation.
It is a perfect example of nature and human ingenuity working together at its finest.
The tour’s first stop was aptly called the “viewpoint.”
This strategically positioned spot afforded us sweeping panoramic views of the entire Batad—awe-inspiring! We stayed here for about half an hour.
Every minute here was indeed an exhilarating experience. The views were utterly unbelievable.
Tappia Waterfalls
After relishing the views from the top, we started our descent to the bottom of the valley to reach the trail that eventually took us to Tappia waterfalls.
The entire hike was moderately strenuous, primarily because of the oppressive heat and humidity, compounded by the fact that we did not sleep comfortably on the bus the night before.
But our efforts were handsomely rewarded! Tappia was genuinely marvelous.
It is possible to swim in the river adjacent to the falls, but it is not recommended to swim directly under it.
It takes about two hours to hike down and return to Batad.
If you want to linger and soak in the soothing water, add a few more hours.
This was an incredibly scenic trek that was worth the effort we put into it.
Accommodations: Ramon’s Homestay
Using agoda.com, we booked an overnight stay at Ramon’s Homestay.
Ramon’s was particularly popular because it offers guests the opportunity to stay in authentic Ifugao huts (sans electricity), which are rapidly being phased out due to modernization.
They also have a stellar in-house restaurant that offers delicious, freshly cooked local dishes.
After dinner, we were extremely exhausted, so we slept for 12 hours.
One of Ramon’s huts, constructed by his grandfather, is decorated with skulls of deer, monkeys, and wild boar.
The views from our hut and the restaurant are immensely picturesque. It was challenging to leave.
Since we only had one day in Batad, we could not explore the other hikes.
Multiple opportunities for hiking and long-distance trekking are certainly possible in this region.
I’ve heard that the more you go off the beaten path, the more rewarding the vistas are.
I hope to get another chance to visit this region in the near future.
DAY 2
After breakfast at Ramon’s, we started our ascent back up to the saddle to catch the public jeepney to Banaue, which only runs twice daily.
If you miss this scheduled trip, hiring private vehicles to take you back there is possible.
By the time you read this article, there is an increased likelihood that public transportation options will vary and run more frequently as demand has grown over the past few years.
It is our advice to check for changes constantly.
Hungduan – Hapao Rice Terraces
After arriving back in Banaue, we checked in at our hotel and were promptly picked up by our guide for our trip to the neighboring community of Hungduan for the Hapao Hot Springs Tour.
Little did we know that to get to the hot springs, we would have to hike about 45 minutes across gloriously mesmerizing rice terraces—the UNESCO-inscribed Hungduan / Hapao Rice Terraces.
We were expectedly delighted. The views of these gorgeous rice terraces can be irresistibly addictive. I could stare at them for hours.
Hapao Hot Springs
The hot springs have fascinatingly sprouted right next to the Hapao—Baang River, so guests can alternate dipping in the scalding hot waters and then plunging into the relatively chilly river to cool off afterward, or vice versa.
DAY 3
Banaue Rice Terraces
On our third day, we were picked up early in the morning to join other tourists on our day trip to Sagada.
We stopped at the Banaue Rice Terraces Viewpoint on the way.
Sagada
After a 2.5-hour drive along idyllic terrain with captivating views of more rice terraces, we arrived in Sagada.
After settling our registration and guide fees, we comfortably toured the town in our rented vehicle.
Unfortunately, we only visited for a day trip, so we had to compress all the highlights into a few hours. We wished we had more time.
Sagada is long considered the Philippines’ backpacking capital and one of the most popular tourist spots.
The climate is cooler here than in the tropics, and numerous pristine trails abound just outside of town.
There are a few public transportation options from Banaue to Sagada, and friendly locals in Banaue are always eager to help out. Do not hesitate to ask!
Sumaging Cave
This is one of the most popular activities in Sagada, and justifiably so.
Sumaging Cave, commonly called the “Big Cave,” offers an adrenaline-rush journey deep into the underworld.
Sagada has over 60 subterranean caves waiting to be thoroughly explored.
Currently, two caves are accessible to tourists via a private guide.
One of the most reachable is Sumaging, which contains the largest chamber of all, thus the “Big Cave” moniker.
The other cave is Lumiang Burial Cave which boasts hundreds of underground coffins.
This was a traditional burial site used by the indigenous locals for centuries.
A popular tour in Sagada is the Cave Connection, which provides adventurous travelers with an unforgettable underworld odyssey connecting Sumaging and Lumiang in one heart-pounding tour.
Due to our limited time, we opted to take the Sumaging Cave tour and checked out the more riveting Hanging Coffins instead of the underground burial site in Lumiang.
At Sumaging, prepare to descend a few meters deep and get drenched in this exhilarating adventure through this underground cave, where the locals have given otherworldly rock formations names.
Look for the King’s Curtain and the Cauliflower on your descent.
Your guide will certainly provide you with this fascinating commentary.
A word of caution, though: It can be extremely slippery inside the cave, so make sure to mind your step and wear appropriate footwear with sufficient traction.
Expect to get wet, so bring a waterproof camera or smartphone with you.
Securely store your money and valuables in a waterproof bag or a Ziplock bag.
During my visit, the cave was off-limits to independent visitors.
For safety concerns, you would need to hire a guide who will patiently illuminate your path and guarantee that you do not get lost inside the caves.
Bringing a flashlight or a hands-free headlamp is also recommended.
Word of warning: This adventure is not for the claustrophobic.
Echo Valley Hanging Coffins
An equally popular attraction in Sagada is the unmissable Echo Valley Hanging Coffins.
Since we skipped the Lumiang Burial Cave, our guide suggested that we not skip this legendary Sagada highlight.
It is a short hike from the main road, and the trail eerily cuts through a more modern public cemetery.
A guide is required to locate this hauntingly strange Sagada highlight.
Some of these coffins have been here for centuries.
After exploring these two sites, we were jetted back to Banaue just in time for dinner and our overnight bus ride back to Manila.
If you have more time in Sagada, many tours are available, ranging from hikes to scenic viewpoints and waterfalls to more extreme caving expeditions.
I highly recommend spending at least a couple of nights in this town.
Moreover, consider hiring a local guide, as the community primarily relies on tourism for their livelihood.
Before Your Trip Checklist
A. Hiking Essentials
Check out these Hiking Essentials on Amazon.com.
B. Guidebooks
I used Lonely Planet Philippines on this trip.
You can order from Amazon.com or borrow for FREE from your public library.
C. Passport
Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after entering the country.
D. Visa
Check the Visa Requirements for your specific passport here.
Most countries can enter visa-free as long as they do not stay for more than 14 days.
E. Travel Insurance
F. Book Your Flights Using Miles
All of my trips over the past decade had been ALMOST FREE via travel miles.
I’ve visited over 90 countries using miles and points, which I accumulate from credit card rewards and bonuses.
If you’d like to learn more about travel points and miles, feel free to join us in our Free Travel Miles and Points Facebook Group.
G. Pre-book Accommodations
It is crucial to book ahead of time during Holy Week and public holidays, as most Filipinos go on vacation.
Hotels become fully booked, and flights are oversold.
If your travel coincides with Holy Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas, or New Year, I suggest pre-booking your accommodations well in advance.
Final Thoughts
The rice terraces in Banaue and Batad and the caves in Sagada are must-visit destinations for anyone traveling to the northern part of the Philippines.
These places offer unique and breathtaking experiences that cannot be found anywhere else.
They provide a glimpse into the country’s rich culture and history and offer opportunities for adventurous hikers to challenge themselves and immerse themselves in nature.
Whether it is admiring the stunning landscapes of the rice terraces or marveling at the intricate formations inside the caves, these destinations are truly bucket list experiences that should not be missed.
Make sure to add these destinations to your travel itinerary when planning your next trip to this beautiful country.
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